Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Google Deals Expands More, Can It Succeed Where Facebook Has Failed?

Look like Google Deals is going places, albeit, slowly.  But given that GD was available in only three cities prior to this, Portland, SF, and NYC, its expansion into 4 more major metropolitans.

And here are the deals I ripped from Google's blog:

  • In Austin, the first Google Offer is from Juan in a Million with $5 for $10 worth of food and drink. The menuat this locally-adored Mexican restaurant includes the legendary "Don Juan"-- El Taco Grande of the Breakfast Taco Challenge that defeated Adam Richman on the Travel Channel's Man vs. Food series. Visit the Google booth at the ACL pre-party Thursday night to learn more. 
  • Toscanini's Ice Cream in Cambridge down the street from MIT, is running our day-one Google Offer in Boston. Spend $5 for $10 worth of gourmet ice cream, choosing from delectable flavors like Burnt Caramel, Ginger Snap Molasses and Grape Nut.
  • Falafel is on the menu in our nation's capital, with today's Google Offer of $3 for $6 of food and beverage from the fun and funky Amsterdam Falafelshop in D.C. Redeem it for their world-famous falafel and make room for creative toppings like crunchy onions, garlic cream sauce and house-made pickled veggies. 
  • In Denver, get $20 of merchandise for $5 at all three locations of Tattered Cover Book Store, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Meet your new favorite author, cozy up with a latte and a magazine or browse through thousands of books and unique gift items in antique filled stores, each with its own indie ambiance. 
  • The Seattle Aquarium has a Google Offer you "otter" buy today with $9.50 for one day's admission worth up to $19, that can also be applied toward an individual or family annual membership. See sand crabs, harbor seals, sea urchins and jellyfish frolic in the waves at this beloved Seattle institution. Check the calendar for upcoming events like underwater pumpkin carving.
It's interesting that Google is doing this.  After being spurned by Groupon, GD was inevitable.  However, given Facebook's failure in this arena, it is hard to think Google can succeed where its larger social rival has failed.

Furthermore, many other location-based services have not gotten into these deal type business models and for a good reason, obviously.  

Nonetheless, it is always good to see competition.  

Source:  Mashable.

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